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Aviation History
1948
1948 - 0907.PDF
June ijth, 1948 June 17, VIEW Miles Thomas, jPeputy-Chairman 0/ B.OA.C, (Top): The subject Is auxiliary equipment in the wing of the Strato- crulser. Retractable steps are in- corporated in the design of the Convair 240. The oft entrance, shown on the right, has steps which retract into the tail. (Be- low) : The front entrance is on the starboard side. America formance figures were equal to those estimated. He did not know of any particular technical problems, but delay in delivery had been occasioned by labour troubles at the factory. There had been, in addition, of course, the normal teething troubles, inseparable from new models, including some initial difficulties with airscrews. The manufacturers at Seattle were still suffering from labour unrest, and even now shop superintendents were having to do work them- selves. In consequence, the first Stratocruiser would not be delivered to the British Corporation for another twelve or even eighteen months, but the Boaid was not disturbed since, as Sir Miles observed, "British Overseas Airways will benefit from the experience of other operators who will fly out the bugs." Of other types, Boeing's had given enthusiastic reports ajbout their XB-47 Stratojet, the unconventional wing design of which had produced far better results than had ever been expected. It had already reached speeds well into the jet fighter range, and as a bomber it was presenting a new defence problem. The photographer responsible for a recent amazing jet assisted take-off picture of this machine (published in Flight, April 22nd) told Sir Miles Thomas that it was one of the most frightening, things he had ever seen or photographed; throughout the take-off, he had feared the aircraft would stall. The B.O.A.C. party saw, very much in the development stage, Boeing's small turbine which produces 200 h.p. at 36,000 r.p.m., and weighs only 140 lb without reduction gear. The company, it seemed, contemplated using the small jet engine for driving auxiliary equipment in large aircraft. This unit, which has run for about 50 hours, is of greater interest in view of developments in this country on similar lines, such as an installation for road vehicles described in the Autocar, May 7th and 14th, which have already reached more advanced stages. Sir Miles felt that \ The 8.0AC. party examine fuselages for six Stratocruisers awaiting assembly. Those in front are for A.O.A. and P.A.W.A.
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